“It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.”
~ Gabriel García Márquez, a.k.a. “Gabito”, Colombian writer
Bobinsana (Calliandra angustifolia) is native to the Amazon Basin and has been used for countless generations to heal the body and to enhance spiritual and shamanic abilities.
Traditionally, Bobinsana is made into a strong tea tincture, using alcohol made from cane sugar called aguardiente. Bobinsana, when used as a decoction (strong tea), can be a powerful tonic for strength and energy as it may boost the immune system. The entire plant is used for healing--the roots, the bark, the leaves, and the flowers. In the Peruvian Amazon, the Shipibo-Conibo people have historically prepared a medicinal tincture from Bobisana’s tree bark, used as a treatment for rheumatism and other ailments. In some ayahuasca recipes and ceremonies, Bobinsana is also used by curanderos and curanderas as an adjunctive ingredient.
A revered plant for lucid dreaming, Bobinsana has long been prescribed in shamanic practices to heal matters of the heart, emotional trauma, to support those with arthritis, rheumatism, musculoskeletal pains, edema/oedema, and uterine disorders.
Research done in Sweden also indicates the plant contains COX-inhibitors, which is a remedy for arthritis. In a study conducted by Matteo Politi and Fabio Friso in the Horticulture International Journal, additional health benefits of Bobinsana include:
PHYSICAL BODY
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-arthritis
- Anti-cancer
- Anti-rheumatic
- Stimulant
- Diuretic
- Contraceptive*** (see disclaimer below)
ENERGETIC, SPIRITUAL + EMOTIONAL BODY
- Calming
- Reflection-inducing
- Flexible thinking/feeling
- Rooting
- Effective communication
- Heart opening
TRADITIONAL USES OF BOBINSANA BY AREA
Indians of the Rio Pastaza (Peruvian Amazon) - Stimulant
Shipibo-Conibo Indians (Ucayali, Peru) - Rheumatism, arthritis, colds, uterine disorders, edema (or water retention)
Madre de Dios tribes (Peruvian Amazon) Bone pain, arthritis, rheumatism, colds
In Peruvian herbal medicine systems, a decoction of the bark is prepared and it is considered to be anti-rheumatic, contraceptive, tonic, stimulant, and depurative. A bark decoction is also used for dyspnea (shortness of breath). A decoction of the roots is recommended for uterine cancer and as a depurative (blood cleanser) as well. A decoction of the entire plant (leaves, stem, twigs, flowers) is prepared as a decoction as a general energizing tonic.
Bobinsana (Calliandra angustifolia). Although they are quite similar, this is not the same as “Persian Silk Tree”, “Mimosa”, or “Albizia”.
OPENING THE HEART, CURING HEARTBREAK
It is said that the spirit of the Bobinsana plant can provide comfort to those experiencing loss, heartbreak or grief. Bobinsana has also been used as a key ingredient in brews by curander@s to assist the patient to dissolve the barriers of time, and to be able to travel mentally to the moment the trauma happened, a practice also known as ‘soul retrieval.’ Though this deeper emotional benefit of herbal medicine is often called into question by modern Western scientific practitioners. Those who learn to “sit” with plants know Bobinsana is capable of sharing love, and even heal wounded hearts.
SYMBIOTIC SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Of the many names Bobinsana is called, Master Plant Teacher is among the most common. While this plant alone does not create hallucinations, in combination with Ayahuasca, she can facilitate connections to the spirit world in ceremony by pairing symbiotically with fellow master plants, such as Mama Aya. Shipibo traditions revere the Master Plant Teacher for her gentle heart opening, leading to increased compassion, strength, and awareness of/receptivity to spiritual guides.
MYTHS & LEGENDS
Curander@s often prescribe “dietas”, which are spiritual cleanses that involve strict dietary protocols, along with a prescribed plant(s) to facilitate particular healing. For those who undergo a Bobinsana dieta for one to three months, the Master Plant Teacher may present in dreams as a giant anaconda or other being emerging from the water world. Sometimes also referred to as the son or daughter of Noya Rao (the tree of light), Amazonian shamanic enthusiasts revere this fluffy, vibrant tree growing along river beds in the jungle whose flowers look like open hearts. Her feminine mermaid spirit also earned her the loving moniker “Sirenita Bobinsana”. Rarely is Bobinsana encountered outside the jungle, but in modern times, seekers worldwide have begun to enjoy this gift in powder form in the hopes of having the often retold experience of a mermaid rising out of the river who greets the dreamer with unconditional love.
BOBINSANA & BLUE LOTUS TEA CEREMONY
INGREDIENTS:
1 tsp Bobinsana
1 tsp Blue Lotus
2 tsp Rose Powder or rose petals
Optional add-ons for deep relaxation: Chamomile, Passionflower, Ashwagandha, or our Lucid Dreaming Tea.
METHOD:
Place all ingredients in a strainer, or in a teapot. Pour in 1 cup of almost boiling water (about 170F). Allow the tea to steep for 4 minutes. Strain, and then add sweetener if desired. Enjoy before meditation, or in the evening before bed.
A GUIDED MEDITATION WITH BOBINSANA
Take a deep, slow breath in.
Slowly release all the air from your lungs.
Next, inhale for 4 seconds.
Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
Exhale for 6 seconds.
Repeat this pattern three times.
Now, as you breathe in, visualize warm light pouring into your heart.
When you suspend your breath, retain this intention vividly in your mind.
As you exhale, release all doubt, and anything inhibiting your growth in the present moment.
Place one hand over your heart, and the other hand over your belly.
As you quietly inhale, become aware of the comforting, gentle weight of your hands.
Notice you can do this anytime and anywhere to care for yourself.
With each exhale, allow your heart to open softly. With each inhale, make room to receive all the good in the Universe. Continue this meditation until it feels naturally complete.
Before you begin this heart-opening meditation, we invite you to enjoy our simple Bobinsana Tea Ceremony recipe and ritual below to deepen the added magical effects of Bobinsana.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Blue Lotus
Bobinsana
A Lil' Update:
Bobinsana is currently on pre-order! Order today as we have very limited supply arriving from Peru this week! And! In case you missed it, our mood boosting Euphoria Powder is now available for pre-order, shipping later this week! We apologize for the delay on many of these items as importing from overseas continues to have delays due to covid regulations. Enjoy 15% off when you pre-order today.
DISCLAIMER: Bobinsana is also traditionally used as a contraceptive in Peru. While there is no scientific research to confirm this possible action, those seeking to get pregnant should avoid this plant. Bobinsana should not be used during pregnancy or lactation. If you take pharmaceutical drugs or have a medical condition, please consult your doctor before using Bobinsana.
🎶BONUS: Listen to this sweet Bobinsana medicine music by Alfredo Botta, inspired by icaro (magic or medicine songs) from South American tribes, to sink into deeper, trancelike sleep.
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Thank you for reading, dear ones!
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Magical Artwork by Quentin Pouyat
